UK & World News

Teen Pilot Dies In Around-The-World Record Bid

A US teenager who was attempting to set an around-the-world flight record has died in a crash over the Pacific Ocean, and his father is missing.

Haris Suleman's plane went down shortly after take-off from American Samoa on Tuesday night.

The 17-year-old's body has been recovered but crews are still looking for his co-pilot father, Babar Suleman, who was also on board.

The father and son, of Plainfield, Indiana, left the state on June 19 and had hoped to return this Sunday.

Haris aimed to become the youngest pilot in command of a single-engine airplane to circumnavigate the globe in 30 days.

His sister, Hiba Suleman, posted on Facebook: "Haris and my dad's plane went down upon take off in American Samoa. Haris has been found - he did not make it. My father has not yet been found.

"Please pray that my dad is found alive and well. Also, hug your siblings and parents - tell them you love them, a hundred time. A thousand times. It will never feel like it's been said quite often enough."

The US Federal Aviation Administration said it was not clear why the Hawker Beechcraft plane had crashed into the ocean.

US Coast Guard spokeswoman Petty Officer Melissa McKenzie told AP news agency the aircraft went down about a mile from shore after take-off from Pago Pago International Airport.

It was heading to Honolulu, Hawaii.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it was investigating.

The Sulemans aimed to raise money for the Citizens Foundation, a non-profit organisation that builds schools in Pakistan.